When do bookies pay four places in horse racing?

While standard e/w terms pay for horses finishing in the top three, certain circumstances, like larger fields or special promotions, can result in bookmakers paying out for four places or even more.

Knowing when bookies pay four places in horse racing can give punters an edge, helping them maximize returns and reduce risks.

For those interested in online sports betting, the number of places the bookmaker pays out on will be highlighted for each race.

Field size: The primary factor

Field size is one of the key determinants for bookies when deciding whether to offer four places on each-way bets.

Generally, the larger the field, the more places bookies pay out on. Here’s how it breaks down:

Bookmakers commonly pay out four places for handicap races with 16 or more runners, as this format levels the playing field and often attracts a larger number of bets.

A handicap race involves horses carrying different weights, with more competitive odds, so bookies are willing to pay out for fourth place as an extra incentive.

For non-handicap races with fewer than 16 runners, bookies typically stick to the standard three places, and for fields under eight runners, they may only pay two places.

 

Special events and high-profile races

High-profile horse racing events such as the Cheltenham Festival, Grand National and Royal Ascot draw significant attention and betting action.

During these events, bookies often offer enhanced place terms, including paying out for four, five, or even six places in some cases.

This is a way for bookmakers to attract more bettors during these popular races, offering them an extra buffer with the extended place options. For instance:

During Cheltenham, it’s common for bookies to offer four places on races that traditionally pay three, or even five places on bigger handicaps.

Given its notoriously large field of 40 runners, many bookmakers offer five or even six places to attract bettors, enhancing their each-way appeal.

 

Promotional offers by bookmakers

Many online bookmakers use enhanced place offers as a way to attract new customers or reward loyal ones.

These promotions are more common than ever due to the competitive landscape of online sports betting, and they provide bettors with a greater chance of winning or recouping part of their stake.

Promotions offering four places may apply to races that wouldn’t usually pay out on more than three places or could extend the number of places to a more substantial number for special events.

Popular bookmakers like Bet365, William Hill, and Paddy Power regularly offer “Extra Places” on selected races, which can be highly beneficial for punters looking to increase their odds of a return on each-way bets.

 

Enhanced place terms for online betting

Online betting platforms often offer more flexibility than traditional high-street bookies when it comes to extra places. Many bookies advertise extra-place promotions exclusively on their websites or mobile apps, offering 4 places on selected races.

It’s worth checking your bookmaker’s online platform for daily updates on which races include enhanced place terms.

 

Weekend races and major race days

Many bookmakers enhance their place terms for weekend races or on major race days, especially on Saturdays when big races tend to attract a broader audience.

On popular race days, bookies commonly offer four places on selected races, even if they don’t meet the standard criteria of 16 runners in a handicap race.

Popular weekend races with enhanced places often include:

Big Saturday Handicap Races like the Lincoln Handicap or the Ebor Handicap frequently feature enhanced place terms.

During major festivals like Glorious Goodwood, York’s Ebor Festival, or Newmarket’s Guineas Festival, bookies are known to offer extra place payouts to boost engagement.

 

How to find four-place bookie offers

To make the most of enhanced place terms, it’s wise to monitor bookie promotions closely. Here are some tips for finding four-place offers:

Not all bookies offer four places for the same races, so it’s beneficial to shop around and compare promotions across bookmakers.

Bookmakers update their promotions daily, especially for popular races. Look for “extra place” or “enhanced e/w” options, often highlighted on the homepage or under the “promotions” section.

Some bookies offer alerts for enhanced terms. By opting in, you can receive updates on the latest offers directly to your inbox or via app notifications.

 

The value of betting on four places

Betting with four places gives punters more flexibility and reduces risk. Each-way betting with extended places can be especially beneficial in competitive fields where the chances of predicting a single winner might be lower.

This approach can make the difference between securing a return versus a loss, particularly when combined with other smart betting tactics such as value betting or hedging.

Extended place terms allow punters to bet more confidently, knowing they have an additional chance of return if their horse finishes just outside the top three.